The freedom to read, along with the freedom to hear and to view, is protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. The Kinderhook Memorial Library supports intellectual freedom and has adopted the following statements as policy: American Library Association’s (ALA) Library Bill of Rights, ALA Freedom to Read Statement, ALA Statement on Access to Library Resources and Services for Minors, the American Film and Video Association’s Freedom to View Statement, and the New York Library Association’s Position Statement on the Defense of Intellectual Freedom.Access to the Library’s internet, as with all materials, programs, and services offered by the library, is not restricted on the basis of age.
The Library is committed to serving the informational, educational, cultural and recreational needs of all its patrons. The Library has a responsibility to provide material and information presenting all points of view and the Library supports access to all formats of material to meet the informational needs of the community. In keeping with its mission, the Library provides free access to the internet and its resources equally to all Library users without censorship.
The Library complies with all federal, state, and municipal laws governing the use of computers in libraries, including the guidelines established by the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) requiring libraries that receive federal online technology support to employ filters that block materials considered obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors. No internet filter is 100% effective. On occasion, a filter may still allow information that is objectionable or potentially offensive to be accessed.
As per Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), a minor is anyone “…who has not attained the age of 17”. Adults are defined as anyone 17 years old and older. Therefore, parents and designated adultsof children up to 17 years of age are solely responsible for the internet information selected and accessed by their own children. Parents and designated adultsof children, and only parents and designated adults, may restrict their own children from access to the internet resources.
Parents and designated adultsare advised to discuss internet safety and to supervise their children’s internet services to ensure their safety and privacy. Users of all ages should exercise caution and follow safety measures when interacting with strangers online and when sharing personal information on the internet.
The Library does not monitor information accessible through the Internet and is not responsible for its content. The library does not assume responsibility for protecting Internet users from material they might find obscene, offensive or objectionable.
Choosing and Evaluating Sources:
The Internet is a global electronic network that offers access to many valuable sources of information. However, not all web sites are accurate, reliable, or unbiased. Users should carefully judge the authority and accuracy of the sites they visit. If any patron believes that information obtained via Library terminals is inaccurate or offensive, the patron should contact the original producer, or the distributor of the information.
Some sites may carry information that a user finds controversial or inappropriate. The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information accessed through the Internet and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its home page. The availability of networked information via library terminals does not constitute the Library’s endorsement of the content of that information.
The Library prohibitsusers from retrieving or displaying graphics that may be construed as obscene, as defined under New York State Penal Law. As noted above, the Library is not responsible for what is displayed on Library terminals connected to the Internet.
Filtering:
The Library does not monitor the information accessed through the Internet, is not responsible for its content, and assumes responsibility only for the information provided on its website. In choosing sources to link to its website, the Library follows its materials selection guidelines. However, the Library cannot be responsible for changes in content of the sources to which its website links, or for the content of sources accessed through secondary links.
The Library provides unfiltered internet access to patrons 17 or older who request it for bona fide research or any other lawful purpose.
Because the Internet is not a secure medium, users should be aware that third parties might be able to obtain information regarding users’ activities. However, the Library will not release information on the use of specific Internet resources by members of the public except to the extent necessary for the proper operation of the Library, and shall release information upon request or consent of the user or pursuant to subpoena, court order or where otherwise required by law.
Acceptable Use of the Internet:
Internet access should be used in a responsible and ethical manner consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided. Users must refrain from illegal use of the Internet and respect intellectual property by only downloading information or computer files with proper permission.
The following purposeful, illegal and/or criminal activities constitute unacceptable use:
- Using library workstations for any illegal or criminal purpose that violates local, state, or federal laws;
- Using library workstations for any illegal activity, including violation of copyright or other rights of third parties, or in a manner inconsistent with the Library’s tax-exempt status or its proper operation;
- Viewing child pornography;
- Deliberately displaying obscene images;
- Engage in any activity that is harassing or defamatory;
- Compromising the privacy of users;
- Attempting to gain unauthorized entry to the library’s network or to cause degradation of system performance;
- Attempting to install, delete, or modify library software;
- Attempting to install or run any programs that have not been installed by the library;
- Moving or changing the arrangement of library computers and attached equipment;
- Damaging computer equipment or software in any way;
- Disrupting the intended use of the library Internet computers.
Children’s Use of the Internet:
The Library, unlike schools, does not serve in loco parentis (in place of parent). Parents or designated adults must assume responsibility for deciding which library resources are appropriate for their own children. While instruction is provided and help offered, staff cannot monitor individual use of the Internet. All children under the age of 10must be supervised by a parent or designated adult while using the computers.
The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents or designated adults to guide their children’s use of all library resources, including the Internet. As is the case with all other library materials, any restriction of a child’s access to the Internet is the responsibility of the child’s parent or designated adult.
Library Staff Assistance
Library staff will provide basic assistance to computer users to the extent that time allows. Library staff will provide basic connectivity information for the Wireless Internet Network.
Approved: February 8, 2016
Revised and Approved: October 10, 2016
Revised and Approved: December 8, 2021
Revised and Approved: June 11, 2024